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used except to watch dancing. Never more
than 1,200 persons in circle”. (Must be a
typo. Should read 120). A Health statement
says no more than 100 people are ever in the
circle.
12 June 1969: Mrs V.E. Cole of 46 Western
Beach writes to Health. “I bring to your
attention the appalling conditions that exist at
the building known as the Palais. I am
referring in particular to the lack of hand
washing facilities in the men's toilets, the
condition of the ladies toilets, and also the
poor kitchen facilities, in which caterers have
to prepare food for up to 700 persons
regularly. This dance hall caters for a very
large weekly clientele, and in my opinion is in
very urgent need of improvements”.

Surprisingly, perhaps, Health is rather matter
of fact about this letter. No copy of actual
reply, but their file statement is almost a
Above: The entry foyer

of Graves, tell Health that they are no longer
the owners.
1983: An extensive electrical upgrade is
required.
Although films probably haven't been shown
since 1965, Occhipinti, like all new owners,
might have wanted to explore the full
possibilities of his purchase.

21 April 1983: Health advises Occhipinti that,
“..specifically, bio cabin is not suitable for the
projection of films”.

1 October 1983: TKP Design Studio of
12 Riviera Crescent, Ocean Grove, submits a
detailed overview plan of the Palais. I did not
have time to study this in detail to see whether
Remains of stage curtain mechanism. it was proposing major changes. I couldn't see
that it was. Sometimes a new owner would ask
rebuttal of Mrs. Coles' remarks; a sort of “yes, The maximum number of persons allowed in Health for a copy of the original plan, which
but ...” as if exonerating the Slacks. the building is 1,200. they sometimes could supply, but more often
L.G. Slack had written claiming extenuating couldn't. I wondered if Occhipinti had
circumstances, including the fact that his A. Graves and Mr. and Mrs Snellen, owners, commissioned TKP to put down what he had
brother had died. auction Palais on 10 November 1982. New and, by submitting this to Health, it would
owner is Charles Occipinti of 9 Lockard Drive become the “master document” for any new
1972: Fire protection equipment said to be in Ocean Grove. I don't know about Mr. Graves proposals. However, only careful study would
poor condition. A copy of this assessment was but, on 16 December 1982, Henk and show whether it contained proposals for
sent to H. Snellen, 233 Fyans St., Newtown, Annelies Snellen, probably writing on behalf changes.
Geelong, one of the new Below: Front doors and stairway leading to balcony
owners. Ownership now is 18 August 1985: Now called the Palais Royal
Messrs Athol Graves and Bingo Centre. Owner is Robert Gannon. No
H. Snellen, the former details about changes for bingo.
living at 73 The Esplanade
North Geelong. The Palais was auctioned again on 20 October
1995, then again on 2 April 1997. The current
6 January 1973. Major owner is the Tripolino family of Geelong,
upgrade of toilets planned. who are in the process of renovating and
Work to be done by extending the building. ¬
John Peeman Pty. Ltd.,
Building Contractors of Credits:
Roseneath Street, North Victorian Public Records Office:
Geelong. The toilets behind File No. VPRS 7882P1 Unit 52
the stage will not be used
henceforth. The Tripolino Family, Geelong
Philip Fenton, Geelong
3 April 1975: Health
approves the new toilets.
Images from CATHS Archive

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